Harry B. Smith: Dean of American Librettists

Harry B. Smith was the most prolific writer of librettos for the American musical theatre in history with nearly half of his 300 works actually opening in New York City. In addition, Smith was instrumental in adapting and popularizing foreign musicals in America, enabling a significant influence of writing and composing styles on American shows. He worked with every major composer in American between 1880 and 1920, and consequently this examination of his work and process is highly instructive of the history of the American musical.

John Franceschina is professor of theatre history at Pennsylvania State University.